What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol.VIII)

Posted by: Richard Dane on 29 December 2011

With 2012 almost upon us, it's time to start a fresh thread. I've gone back to an earlier thread title because often the "why" is the most interesting part of the post.

Anyway, links:

Volume VII: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...6878604287751/page/1

Volume VI: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878604097229

Volume V: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605140495

Volume IV: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878605795042

Volume III: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607309474

Volume II: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878606245043

Volume I: https://forums.naimaudio.com/di...ent/1566878607464290

Posted on: 06 November 2012 by ewemon

Last nights listening.

Posted on: 06 November 2012 by EJS

Schumann / works for piano / Kempff (1970s)

Kempff was a bit rusty when he went into the studio to record Schumann, but he received better sound from DG than he ever had gotten before. No upright this time, but a proper grand (slightly lacking in bass). Love his way with the Fantasie, which must count as one of the best recordings of this work.

Cheers,

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by George Fredrik

Originally Posted by kuma:

Stu,

Does your copy sound good?

Sadly These are not the best of live recording. I reckon UK original 'should' sound better, tho.

There is a studio recording of Bach Partita and Mozart No.8 a few months before this concert (July ) and those sound much clearer and the pianist sound livelier. It's sad that it shows a rapid decline in his health in such a short period of time.

At his last recital, he was too weak to play the last of Chopin Waltz but he offered to play Bach Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring, instead. This tune did not get on the vinyl but he played it on earlier studio recording. Listening to that earlier. Talk about depressing. :/

Dear Kuma,

I had the Hayes [UK] pressed version of the studio set and the HLM [gatefold] live Besancon recital The studio recording [made by British engineers in aSwiss radio studio if I remember right] is quite good, but very dry sounding, while the live recording is not one of the better lie recordings for its day. I doubt if any remaster could actually make it sound technically fine, though the playing is something unique, and very emotionally touching.

ATB from George

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by fasterbyelan

Started the day with -

Pet Shop Boys - Disco 2

Probably not for the Pet Shop Boys purist but a much enjoyed album at the Simpson household!

Karl

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by Cbr600

Originally Posted by fasterbyelan:

Originally Posted by Cbr600:

Originally Posted by fasterbyelan:

Arrived today from Japan - one of my desert island discs. It's an unusual experience to hear a recording you thought you knew quite well in 5.1 surround sound for the first time. It's good though!

Followed by this also on SACD -

Two channel only this time. I'm not rally a big fan of Dire Straits but do have a soft spot for this album - must be a connection with my teenage years!

Karl

Hi fasterbyelan,

What are using to play the SACD?

I note from your biog, you are near silverstone. I was over there a couple of weeks ago having a track day. Terrifying! But great

Paul

Hi Paul,

I bought a stop-gap Sony Blu-ray player a couple of years ago (BDP-S370) which can play SACD's. Until the market has settled down I was not prepared to spend a significant amount on a player - for 100 quid it has been a bargain. It also has BBC iplayer which is much better in quality than the red button version on the TV (I don't understand why though!). The DSD signal from the player is fed to my AV Receiver via HDMI for decoding (Denon AVR3808a).

Two channel SACD does not match the SQ of my AudioNote CD player although I am working on that! However 5.1 surround sound is a wonderful and immersive experience and I can see me pursuing this with some vigour in the coming months. I made a big improvement to my set up recently (new surround sound speakers) and this has been very encouraging!

I noted you had been driving fast Italian cars recently. I work across the road from the Silverstone circuit at Force India F1 where I have been since the Jordan days (but don't tell anyone!)

Anyway back to the music -

5.1 SACD and no comment required!

Karl

And British--- aston martin vantage-- caterham 7--ford rally car

it was a full day session called the silverstone experience

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by David Leedham

A great career overview

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by Tony2011

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by Quad 33

On original vinyl.

Graham

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by Paul@HiFi Lounge

Having a Sigur Ros evening tonight, so far listened to -

'Agaetis Byrjun' it's been ages since I listened to this album, still their best in my opinion, followed by 'Takk' and 'Meo suo i eyrum vio spilum endalaust' Don't ask me what that means though

Posted on: 07 November 2012 by Kevin-W

Originally Posted by Kevin-W:

Two DCC classic vinyl albums (mastered by Steve Hoffman from the original RCA Living Stereo tapes). As well as being struck by the adeptness of the backing musicians, and Elvis' remarkable ability to transform any material (even dreck) into gold, the other remarkable things about these two albums is the awesome sound quality.